EDDIE Howe has led tributes to Cherries photographer Mick Cunningham who died after collapsing at AFC Bournemouth’s game at Stoke City.

Father-of-one Mick, a loyal fan employed by AFC Bournemouth for almost 20 years before his departure in 2013, was working for the Daily Echo when he fell ill early in the first half of the Premier League clash at the Britannia Stadium.

The 55-year-old, who lived in Verwood, was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital before he passed away surrounded by his family just after 8am on Sunday.

A former Oakmead School pupil, Mick spent almost 16 years with the RAF as a supply manager before taking on a wide-ranging media role with Cherries, which included editing the matchday programme, photographing games and interviewing players for the website.

He leaves 19-year-old son Liam, as well as his dad and two sisters Lesley and Alison.

Cherries manager, Eddie said: “Mick’s loss was so sudden and he will be greatly missed. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to send our condolences to his family.

“When I was coming through the ranks, Mick was always there watching games and supporting us from the centre of excellence to the first team.

“He was a friendly face and a really genuine guy who would show a genuine interest in everybody. He gave everything to our football club. People like that are so important because they make you feel comfortable and appreciated.

“Mick had an incredible work ethic and dedication to his job. And he always did it with a smile on his face. It is such sad news.”

Mick’s dad Ronald, 91, from Bournemouth, told the Echo: “He was such a lovely man. He would do anything for anyone. Everyone in the family is devastated, especially our nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“Mick was a laugh a minute. He loved football – it was his life and he finally got to take Premier League football pictures, which is something he had always dreamed of.“

Mr Cunningham said that Mick’s interest in AFC Bournemouth started when his late mum Margaret took him to Dean Court as a lad.

His sister, Lesley Wickers, added: “He was a lovely brother and I am going to miss him so much. He was just a very fun-loving person.”

Mick was also a committee member and photographer for Verwood Town FC.

The club’s chairman Steve Jefferis said: “It is a massive shock to all of us and we are very saddened.

“It is very hard to take in at the moment because it has come from completely out of the blue.

“Everybody at the club is very shocked and of course we send our best wishes to all of Mick’s family at this terrible time.

“We are absolutely devastated. He was so enthusiastic about the club and his presence will be missed massively. It is all just so hard to take in.”

Daily Echo photographer, Corin Messer, said: "I have never met anyone as kind or as genuinely selfless as Mick Cunningham and sadly I don’t think I am ever likely to meet anyone quite like him again.

"It is testament to his character that everyone who knew Mick felt that he was their close personal friend, everyone who knew Mick in some small way loved him.

"Thrown in with all the fun, Mick was also an incredibly talented and ultimately professional photographer. You always knew Mick was on form. No matter what the circumstances, Mick would deliver.

"His passion for the club was insurmountable and his pride in his son, Liam, was ultimate.

"Mick will live on in the hearts of all of the Echo photographers who ever worked alongside him. We adored him, idolised him and will mourn his loss forever more.

"Mick was, is, and always will be a legend, and we love him dearly.

"UTCIAD my friend, we had the best of times."

Friend of more than 25 years and former Echo photographer, Richard Crease said:  “He was a true gentleman, always thinking of others before himself.

“He was a truly exceptional man and gifted photographer. His tragic passing will leave a huge void in mine and many people’s lives."